Circle of Care holds ribbon cutting event

April 5, 2013

SALEM - Janice Lesher selected a name that more than fits: Circle of Care.

It almost seems, in the 49 years the building has stood at 1985 E. State St., it's about time someone came up with that. The new owners of the long and short-term care facility housed in the landmark circular building appreciated that fact and recognized Lesher with an award after a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday.

The Circle of Care is a dba for the Salem Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, LLC.

Article Photos

Janice Lesher was honored by the Circle of Care facility after a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday. Lesher came up with the name “Circle of Care” and she is pictured, center, with administrator Jan Powers and co-owner Cy Pizam in the newly renovated dining room as a presentation was made to her on behalf of the Circle of Care. (Salem News photo by Larry Shields)

The new owners, Cy Pizam, Kenneth Nielson and Abraham Bacenroth, also saw to it the Salem Fire Department received a plaque honoring it for its dedication and community service.

Capt. Sean Mesler and firefighter Kevin Bryan accepted the award on behalf of the department and Mayor John Berlin said it's nice for the city to get recognized for good things.

The new owners took over last September and Pizam said about $300,000 in renovations was invested.

"Everything from top to bottom," he said, adding the work was completed about a week ago.

"I think we did a phenomenal job," he said, pointing out the aim, as repeatedly pushed by Gov. John Kasich, is "to provide a home-like atmosphere."

That has a touch of irony for a building that many think looks like a hotel.

Nonetheless, "it was a substantial renovation," Pazim said.

The Circle of Care offers continental breakfasts in a new dining room and a full beauty salon that provides free services.

Pazim said he doubted there are another five facilities in the country that do that.

"Everywhere else charges," he said.

The Circle of Care has a current census of 28 and can serve 65 residents and is working toward all private rooms like those on the second floor.

On the first floor, there is a spa replacing office space and all the resident restrooms have been redone and include swiveling wall mirrors so residents in wheelchairs can easily use them.

Circle of Care Administrator Jan Powers is working on a senior advocacy support group and said a Facebook page is in the works.